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                                           AIMS
 

    * To preserve Melbourne Parish Church.
    * To enhance and develop the facilities at Melbourne Parish Church.
    * To encourage the broadest connection between Melbourne Parish Church and the wider community.
    * To raise the profile of Melbourne Parish Church nationally and internationally.

 
Melbourne Parish church was founded in the reign of Henry 1, sometime between 1136 and 1156, as a safe haven from marauding Scots for Adelulf, the first bishop of Carlisle.  He needed a church worthy of his status and built a mini-cathedral, which according to Simon Jenkins in his book, England’s Thousand Best Churches: “… survives as one of the finest Norman churches in England”.

The church is, without question, of international architectural importance.  Once again quoting Simon Jenkins: “The interior is sensational.  The clerestory has a cathedral-like wall passage and a west gallery over a vaulted narthex: lavish for a 12th century parish church.”

Melbourne itself is a thriving market town of about 5000 people, who work in local industries and services as well as the regional centres of Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham.  There is an enormous range of community activities for a small town, all of which can benefit from a strong, active “Friends” organisation.
 
                                      BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

-Lectures by national and local specialists in various aspects of the history and architecture of the church.

-Guided tours of the church, bell tower and clerestory.

-A regular newsletter.

-Early notice of concerts, plays and other events sponsored by the Friends.

-An annual meeting and a voting opportunity to elect and steer the Friends, and to meet and socialise with other members.

 
PATRONS     
                        The Bishop of Derby

                        The Bishop of Carlisle

                        The Dean of Melbourne Australia

                        Lord Ralph Kerr

                        Simon Jenkins (former editor of the Times)

TRUSTEES    
                        The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire

                        Cllr. Jane Carroll

                        The Revd. Dr John Davies

                        Philip Dobby

                        Brian Dollamore

                        Cllr. John Harrison

                        Philip Heath

                        Romey Cunnington

                        Roger Kington

                        Sue Perkins

                        Griselda Kerr

                        Eric Lee

                        Prof. Janet Myles

                        Dr Henry Wilkins

http://www.friends-of-melbourne-parish-church.co.uk/